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Individuals from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.